Memorial Day: What are we commemorating today?

On the last Monday in May, the country pauses "to remember and honor military members who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in combat or as a result of wounds sustained in combat," according to the Veterans Department.

Something that distinguishes it fromVeterans Day, which "aims to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military—living and dead—whether in times of war or peace. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, recognize that their contributions to our national security are appreciated and underscore the fact that all who served—not just those who died—sacrificed and did their duty," the Department also notes.

May 30, 1868, the official start date of Decoration Day

First instituted on May 30, 1868, "this holiday was originally dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Civil War by the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans led by Major General John A. Logan."

The initial object of the holiday was to "spread flowers or otherwise decorate the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in nearly every city, town and village cemetery in the country."

Hence its original name was "Decoration Day." It would not be until 1882 when the denomination of "Memorial Day" was first used, which took hold throughout the 20th century until it became the official name after World War II.

Evolution of the holiday until today

Official recognition as a holiday was not homogeneous, and was first spreading among the states, starting with New York in 1873. By 1890, all states in the Union had adopted it.

The World Wars made it a day of remembrance for all members of the U.S. military who fought and died in the line of duty. In 1968, Congress changed its observance to the last Monday in May, and in 1971 formalized its name as Memorial Day.

The National Moment of Remembrance Act, in 2000

In December 2000, "to ensure that the sacrifices of America's fallen heroes are never forgotten," Congress passed "The National Moment of Remembrance Act," which was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.

The rule created "the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance" whose charge is to "encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country which gives them so much freedom and opportunity, by encouraging and coordinating America's observances of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance," according to the Veterans Department's website.

Obama instituted the national moment of silence at 3 p.m.

In addition, "on Oct. 7, 2016, President Obama signed the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act into law. The law requires the president to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe a two-minute national moment of silence on Veterans Day at 3:11 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time, 2:11 p.m: Eastern Standard Time, 13:11 Central Standard Time, 12:11 Mountain Standard Time, 11:11 Pacific Standard Time, 10:11 Alaska Standard Time, and 9:11 Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time."

From sunrise until noon, the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff as a tribute to the fallen. Parades are held in many locations, and cemeteries fill with people who come to lay flowers on the graves. One of the main events is the president’s traditional visit to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where he pays tribute and delivers a speech.

Last Sunday, Trump released his proclamation "pray for peace" to commemorate the holiday.